06-01-2014, 06:48 PM
You're quite right, Gary, and that is why I prefer things to be usable in the modern day even if it means sacrificing a bit of authenticity. For instance it would make sense to me to replace wander sockets used for Gram inputs with a 3.5mm stereo jack socket with mixing resistors so it's easier to plug an MP3 player or whatever in.
With the Pye VHF3D I recently did I made no attempt to restore the cabinet to the state it left the factory in but made it as nice-looking as possible. As usual I did it in a way which could be reversed - I used shellac and put a couple of coats on before staining so the under-lying wood is it's original colour. It seems to have worked as I've damn near had to nail it down as so many people covert it!
My radios certainly aren't static exhibits as they get used. This is why I've never got into collecting as I don't want dozens just stood idle. I enjoy fixing them up (I have never claimed to have Restored one) and then if I've no use for it I'll sell it allowing a non-technical person to have the enjoyment of it and liberating money and space for my next one. I certainly don't make a worth-while profit on them but if I loose a few quid it's worth it for the enjoyment I've had while working on it.
I'd certainly draw the line at drilling extra holes in cabinets or even chassis without a VERY good reason.
I may well feel differently if I was working on sets other than my usual bog-standard post-war five-valvers.
- Joe
With the Pye VHF3D I recently did I made no attempt to restore the cabinet to the state it left the factory in but made it as nice-looking as possible. As usual I did it in a way which could be reversed - I used shellac and put a couple of coats on before staining so the under-lying wood is it's original colour. It seems to have worked as I've damn near had to nail it down as so many people covert it!
My radios certainly aren't static exhibits as they get used. This is why I've never got into collecting as I don't want dozens just stood idle. I enjoy fixing them up (I have never claimed to have Restored one) and then if I've no use for it I'll sell it allowing a non-technical person to have the enjoyment of it and liberating money and space for my next one. I certainly don't make a worth-while profit on them but if I loose a few quid it's worth it for the enjoyment I've had while working on it.
I'd certainly draw the line at drilling extra holes in cabinets or even chassis without a VERY good reason.
I may well feel differently if I was working on sets other than my usual bog-standard post-war five-valvers.
- Joe
